The letter was delivered by a well-armed halfling courier wearing the uniform of the Shieldmarshalls, the elite military and law-enforcement force of Alkenstar. On the wax seal is the crest of the High Parliament.
"Greetings,
I hope this missive finds you well. My name is Minister Eliza Baratella, and I am in need of adventurers like yourself. Tough independent contractors who can exercise discretion when needed, and explosive talent when discretion fails. I can promise that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, should you succeed at the appointed assignment. Please visit me at my workshop at the Brass Guild tomorrow morning, an hour before lunch."
Given the tension in Alkenstar recently over the Guild's Brass Guardian's dangerous and violent malfunctions in recent weeks, it should not be too difficult to figure out the basic reason the Minister is seeking, "independent contractors."
Well I guess the vacation is over.
Simo will make sure he is at the appointed place on time.
Isavara is quietly working in the kitchen preparing a meager meal for the clientele, passing the time between adventures lost in the heat of the fire and the smell of various spices. The cleaver speeds through various vegetables, peeling and slicing and chopping and hewing. It's the closest thing to combat that she can think of to keep her busy. More than training, it's the sight and smell of blood that sates her appetite, and the church normally frowns on injuring fellow occupants, even the church of Gorum. The rhythmic motions also help her to keep her arms in shape, and she liked hitting things.
"Minister Maratella you say? Well, "well rewarded" is good with me. I'll even try to be on time" she says with a toothy grin.
Nigel is roused from his inner musings by the words. "Message for you sir." He blinks twice and out of habit looks up (living among so many altitude aflicted you get used to it). Initially not seeing anyone he sits up and removes his feet from the table edge, he then notices the top of a hat visibe from the farside of the table. Leaning over he peers under the table and sees a uniformed Half Ling doing the same (it's a non-altitude alificted people thing). Nigel sits back up then looks around the edge of the tablessing and again encounters the uniformed Halfling. Nigel clears his throat and says. "A Messays you say, something official no doubt at last Government has taken notice of my suggetions. No wait, I bet it's an invitation to a formal function. Ah yes the proper people finally acknowledge my presence here...I say lad it's not about that little incident the other day is it? Because I apologized and paid recompence. I could have sworn that ladies poodle was a Yeti. It was a damn fine shot though, nearly 200 feet and across a crowded market no less. They should have paid me for exibition of skill."
"Oh, so you're the one." Says the Halfling
"The one and only Nigel Smith-Woolsy". Replies the Gnome.
"Then this is difinately for you." The Halfling says as he hands Nigel the note.
Nigel accepts the document and notes the official wax seal (which naturally sets him thinking about that book he read on the history of wax).
"Sir!" The Halfling's voice shifts Nigel's attention back to the matter at hand.
"Yes lad what is it?" Nigel asks.
The Halfling shakes his head and says. "Sir, are you going to read the message? I was told to assure it was received and reviewed."
Nigel pulls the Gnome pincers out and with a seemingly impossible let set of movements uses it to pop off the seal. After returning the weapon to it's place he finally reads the note.
"Most interesting, most interesting indeed." He says while reading. "Well at the moment I just happen to be between expiditions. You may convay my salutations and reply that I will accept the invitation."
The Halfling says. "Thank you Sir." And quickly walks away muttering something about Gnomes.
Nigel slips the note into a pocket and waves to the tavern wench. The large middle-aged human woman says. "Yes. What is it this time? The wine too rural for your liking again?"
Nigel says. "No it's not that, well now that you mention it..." The woman's narrowed eyes stop the Gnome from further expressing his opnion. He then says "No my good woman. I will have dinner. 2 lightly poached eggs and pheasant in a butter cream sause and possibly some leafy greens. Must keep fibre in the diet you know."
The woman, tapping her foot takes a deep breath and says. "So, lt's the rabbit stew again then then?"
Nigel shakes his head then says. "Yes the stew will do, and bring another bottle."
As the woman walks away she hears the Gnome say something about tall savages.
Still a little weary of everybody he meets, Tatsumi eyes the Halfling as he walks out the door. Only then does he open the letter and read it. "Interesting" he thinks to himself, "this could be fun!" Taking the last swig of his drink, Tatsumi tips the bartender and makes his way back to his room.
"I hope this fellow understands that I'm not a common mercenary, but if the cause is worthy then I don't see how I can refuse. Cole thinks to himself.
The Brass Guild's massive warehouses are bustling with activity. A large horse-drawn carriage wheels through the main gate just ahead of you, loaded with a partially disassembled man-shaped figure made of iron, leather, steel, and brass. Clockworks, chains, and similar detritus spill from the thing's arms and legs.
The guard at the gate verifies your appointment and indicates Eliza's workshop as one of the largest warehouses in the compound. The massive doors are open, and you see that carriage from before entering the cavernous structure.
Once inside, it is quickly obvious who runs the workshop. A raven-haired woman wearing goggles, a dark green speed suit, and stained work boots is surrounded by servants who react to her needs before she can ask for help. Hearing the carriage stop behind her, the woman turns away from her cluttered workbench and lifts the goggles from her face to reveal hazel eyes beneath a soot-covered face. She says something to an assistant, who then proceeds to relay orders to the teamster driving the carriage. Then she wipes her greasy hands on a rag and walks toward you.
"Good morning, I am Minister Eliza Baratella, would you care for some tea and cakes while we wait for the others? My office is a little more quiet," she tells you with a refined voice and an easy smile while offering you her hand. A servant appears by her side, "Mr. Smythe will escort you there. I will join you shortly."
Once he is in the office and being offered refreshments.
"Do you have something not as hot. This climate is a bit too warm for my blood. Adding a hot drink would be a bit much. "
"Yes, suh," the servant nods, "I shall bring you some iced water promptly, suh."
"Most gracious of you Madame Minister. I would like to complement you on a exceedlingly impressive workshop. If time permits perhaps I might tour the facility?" Accepting the minister's offered hand.
While following Mr. Smythe. "I say good chap, what sort of grease do you use here?
"Of course, Mr. Woolsy, I would be pleased to arrange for a tour, time permitting, of course."
The servant shows you to the office, where a rather nimble-looking Kellid is sipping water.
Mr. Smythe responds to the gnome's question, "There are a variety of lubricants we employ in our workshops, suh. For our heavier applications, we prefer a grease made from a boar native to the Mana Wastes."
Cole nods to the woman.
"Thank you mam" he says to the engineer, removing his hat to be polite.
This draws more attention to the large burn scar across the left side of his face. It starts below his eye, covering most of his cheek, and runs down his neck, disappearing beneath his pancho and breastplate.
"Hello, hello.' Isavara says as she introduces herself. "I am Inquisitor Isavara Bon'yea of the church of Gorum. Beg your pardon but would have anything stronger than tea?'
The servant bows in response to your request and moves to unlock a cabinet in the office and withdraws a bottle of brown liquor. "A barley whiskey, mum," he explains while pouring a glass.
"It's an honor to meet you" Tatsumi says as he pulls off his hood and bows. "My name it Tatsumi Thesuma" Tatsumi takes a sip of tea, "This tea is excellent."
"Haha, now we're talking. That would be terrific, but just one though, I'm working soon enough."
"Just water for me, thank you" Cole says to the man.
"Can't understand why anyone would drink something hot in this ungodly heat. " he says to the others as he drinks some water and wipes sweat from his brow.
In addition to the drinks, Mr. Smythe retrieves a variety of scones which he presents on a silver platter. Despite the grime, soot, and grease of the workshop, the office shows wealth, class, and grace. The servent tops off any drinks before excusing himself to check on his mistress.
"Se does anyone know why we're here? I'm just in town for a visit. Rather like a vacation. I didn't expect to be summoned by the authorities. I didn't expect my reputation to carry this far south. "
"Probably just looking for some work to be done I imagine. Maybe they need some testers to pull the trigger on some new contraption. All I know for sure is that they better be willing to pay properly. I don't like to have my time wasted. Ooh, scones."
"Well the tea is quite tasty and the scones baked well with just the slightest hit of cinnamon. And as to the reason we are here, isn't it obvious? Look around, we are all hunters. Of one sort or another. TheMinister must need something or someone tracked and delt with.
Grabbing one more scone before Isavara eats the rest.
"I'm thinking more sabotage. Probably someone from the inside. Why else would you need "independent" contractors of our ilk."
"Not sure what 'ilk' I would be. Yes I'm a hunter, but I've hunted little but demons for some years now. Hope they don't need me dealing with people. "
"I doubt they've called on a holy servant of Iomedae to perform acts of sabotage." Cole says, somewhat surprised by the snake-mans insinuation.
"No, the sabotage has already happened. They need someone from the outside to investigate and possibly handle whatever we find."
"I knew you were more than just a pretty face. That kid's got brains too" Isavara says looking around at the others.
The office door opens and the noises of hammering and magic flood into the office. Eliza walks in and shuts the door, muting the sound again. She takes a deep breath and has a seat behind her desk. Mr. Smythe arrives a moment later bearing a porcelain tea cup and sets it down on the desk.
"Thank you, Mr. Smythe, that will be all for now." Smyhe gives a quick bow and excuses himself from the office. Eliza takes a moment to sip her tea before looking at everyone. "Thank you all for coming. Things have been a bit hectic for me lately. You see, I was responsible for implementing a new policing solution in Alkenstar, and for a time it was working brilliantly. They are purely defensive, you see, my little Brass Guardians. Excellent for crowd control or entering dangerous locations under the direction of shieldmarshals. Over the last few weeks, however, they have acting in a most erratic manner. Last week there was an incident which cost a couple of citizens their live's. Most unfortunate. I would like to prevent anyone else from being harmed.
"Whoever's behind this plot is powerful - likely someone in the government who sees me or my creations as a threat. But I can't go around flinging accusations of sabotage and treason without evidence, nor do I know if I can trust the authorities here to investigate. You, on the other hand, are neutral parties.
"I've got a good sense of where you can start looking. When the first Brass Guardians started raging in the streets, we looked closely at their serial numbers to determine where they'd come from. In every case, the clockworks had originally been positioned in the city's western quarters, closest to the Karggat Hills. I sent Arvanor, my assistant, to follow a series of tracks left by a guardian leaving the city's western gates. Those tracks led north and west into the Karggat Hills, and into a mine some fifty miles away. Arvanor reported back that he was headed into the mines to investigate further, and no one has heard from him since. That was two weeks ago. And since then, the Brass Guardians' attacks have only increased in frequency and intensity.
"I have secured transportation for you on the guild's private air ship, under the pretense that you are trap smiths we've hired to help protect our facilities in Martel. You won't go to Martel, however; instead, the pilot has been instructed to take you directly to the Karggat Mine. Please find out who's behind this sabotage of the Brass Guardians and bring me evidence to put an end to the plot. The guild and I have significant resources with which to reward you, and time is of the essence."
"Hmm, I suppose that is within the scope of my capabilities. Can't be any worse than a flood of demons at least. I'll go as requested. "
"I suppose it can't hurt to help you check this mine. It seems strange that your golems would wander that from the city they are supposed to protect. How hard is it to command them to leave their duties? Could just anyone do it? Are they controlled by some device or special password?" Cole answers the woman.
"Airship!" Nigel says exitedly. "Madame Minister I am at your service. What better way to see the Manna Wastes than from the air. I have herd of your marvelious airships but have never seen one let alone ride in it. Oh and I'm sure we'll make short work of sorting out your problem.
"So what type of compensation are we talking here? Heard the Wastes can be dangerous, I'm sure your gonna make it worth our time."
"So...how soon do we leave?"
"I suppose it can't hurt to help you check this mine. It seems strange that your golems would wander that from the city they are supposed to protect. How hard is it to command them to leave their duties? Could just anyone do it? Are they controlled by some device or special password?" Cole answers the woman.
"They're programmed to perform specific patrol routes, some of them are assigned to patrol the roads to and from city holdings, such as the mines. Members of the Brass Guild are able to exert some control over them, however we have already conducted an internal audit and determined it is not an inside job. Besides," she waves her hand dismissively, "we've got the most to lose."
"As far as compensation goes, a significant cash reward, the exact extent of which I am still negotiating with my superiors in the guild. For those interested, fully furnished luxury apartments in the towers of Graeson's Fingers. In addition, I will make available the contents of the Brass Guild's vaults."
"The sooner you can depart, the better," the Minister drinks the rest of her tea and sets cup and saucer down on her desk. "The airship is ready to go, but it will hold off on departure until you arrive. If you have any business which needs to be completed in town before departing, you should get to it." She stands up and adjusts her tool belt. "Either way, I must get back to work."
"I can go now. I'm traveling pretty light. "
"I can be ready within an hour, won't take me long to pack. How long of an airship ride will it be to get us there?"
"Just let me get my stuff ready and I'm good to go."
"Luxury Apartment. I like the sound of that. One needs a little luxury now and then. The vaults, after seeing your Guilds creations I am very interested in having a look in them. Now two Questions. I assume you found no discrepancies in the production tolerance between a correctly performing guradian and the malfunctioning ones, but did you conduct an metallurgical analysis of the clockwork gears in the errant guardians? With creations such as these even a small variation in metal content can have signifiant effects. I too am ready to begin the expedition, I checked Prudence this morning and she's ready for an outing. And we don't want to delay getting to the airship. You know this reminds me of the time I hunterd dire tigers from a flying carpet, absoutely smashing ...Oh yes my second question. Might I get the recipie for the marvelous scones?
"I believe I'm ready."
"Luxury Apartment. I like the sound of that. One needs a little luxury now and then. The vaults, after seeing your Guilds creations I am very interested in having a look in them. Now two Questions. I assume you found no discrepancies in the production tolerance between a correctly performing guradian and the malfunctioning ones, but did you conduct an metallurgical analysis of the clockwork gears in the errant guardians? With creations such as these even a small variation in metal content can have signifiant effects. I too am ready to begin the expedition, I checked Prudence this morning and she's ready for an outing. And we don't want to delay getting to the airship. You know this reminds me of the time I hunterd dire tigers from a flying carpet, absoutely smashing ...Oh yes my second question. Might I get the recipie for the marvelous scones?
"Actually, Mr. Woolsy, testing the clockworks has been occupying my morning and will likely take a great deal of my week as well. We've been dissembling them for the last few days and haven't discovered anything beyond typical wear and tear yet. The heavier analysis will take place today and tomorrow."
She heads for the door and asks Mr. Smythe, "Would you please find a recipe card for the scones? The guild kitchens should have them on hand."
"I think we can take the airship ride now Nigel, and hear the results of these tests after we return." Cole says to the gnome.
"I say capital Idea my good man. You obviously are as excited as I am to ride the amazing conveyance. Right, lets get this expidetion underway".Says Nigel as he heads for the door.
"By the way, I do hope none of you get airsick? But I doubt it will be a concern. Since you are all already altitude afflicted and should be used to being up there."
"Altitude afflicted? You're speaking Taldan right?"
"Why of course old boy, but if you prefer we could converse in Gnome, Sylvan, Giant, or Dwarven. Oh wait, I know it's my Chelixan accent. Either that or it could be my habit of using the Gnome literal translation of common phrases. I mean you taller folk."
"Are there shorter folk? Oh never mind. Let's just get to the ship. " and he will move along as indicated to where the launch area might be.
"I've never flown in an airship before." Cole says suspiciously to the gnome.
"Never you say. Then prepare for an experience and perspective like nothing before. I simply love flying. Mind you I have not ridden in one of thsee airships, but this experience should be similar to my previous ones. Let's see, there was flying carpet tiger hunt. Completely wonderful, right up until the tiger joined us on the carpet. It did at a little excitement though. Good to get the heart rate up a bit now and then. Anyway the ruddy driver crashed us into a tree. I did bag the best though. Then there was the time I was using a pair of wings of flight while hunting in the mountains. I got much more than I bargened for that day. It seems that while bringing down a manticore I upset another local resident, a roc. Well it grabbed me and gave me quite a tour of the area. Just as I was about to get a really good look at its nest, I managed to discourage it from further interest in me. Although it did cost me a whole keg of powder. But it did afford me some more air travel when it dropped me. Dang bird broke the bloody wings, had to pay for those too. I would have been in picked if I didn't have my trusty feather fall token. But don't worry I am fairly sure just because all my other flight episodes ended in a fall. Shouldn't have any bearing on our impending flight. Remember Gnomes are lucky...or was that Halflings?
Pilot's Square is a bustle of activity, with crews loading or unloading cargo from the large, cigar-shaped vessels. A tall elf wearing goggles holds up a sign with Eliza's name painted on it. He stands in front of a rope ladder attached to a bright red airship.
Cole walks up the the elf and extends a hand.
"I think you are waiting for us."
If the elf seems amenable, Cole climbs the rope ladder up to the ship.